Osteoporosis is not just a female issue

Osteoporosis the silent bone killer causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually. Statistically resulting in a osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds. Although in India Osteoporosis affects 1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 8 men, the effects of the disability and complications caused in men are more serve.

• Higher Hip fractures: According to Dr Indrajit, “Men account for a third of all hip fractures and are also twice as likely to die after a hip fracture as women. This is probably because men don’t get treated for osteoporosis as often as women.”
• Associated complications: Higher co-morbidities along with fractures like diabetes and hypertension among men increase the mortality rate among men.
• Bone health linked to the heart: Research also suggest that low bone mass density is linked to heart disease like hypertension and angina. Statistics highlight that men who have a sedentary life also suffer from osteoporosis and cardiac disease.
• Lifestyle issues increasing the risk: smoking is more prevalent among men and they drink alcohol in excess, they are becoming more prone for osteoporosis. It is estimated that the residual lifetime risk of experiencing an osteoporotic fracture in men over the age of 50 is as high as 27%.
• Deficiency makes things worse: Inadequate protein diet, low calcium intake, sedentary life style, Vit D deficiency and low sunlight exposure are all compounding the bone health issues.

Women are more susceptible to Osteoporosis due to the role played by the hormone Estrogen. This hormone is responsible for ensuring the bone density. Post menopause the presence of estrogen decreases making women more prone to bone health issues and osteoporosis.

However men as stated above need to be more careful to keep bone issues at bay. Indulge in regular exercise, eat calcium and protein rich diet, drink plenty of milk and opt for food that is full of Vit D.

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